An Investigation on Articulation Dynamic Loads of Construction Equipment

Wheel loaders are heavy earth moving machines used in construction field for applications like truck loading, stockpiling and various other material handling operations. Wheel loaders are classified according to their operating weight and pay load capacities in the construction equipment market. Wheel loaders are equipped with articulated steering using two hydraulic cylinders connecting the front and rear frame. The speed of steering is controlled by the steering control valve, which controls the hydraulic oil flow rate to the steering cylinder. The expansion and retraction of the two cylinders make the wheel loader to articulate with pin joint connecting the frames. During articulation of the machine, the front and rear frames hit against each other inducing a system (Impact) force. The system force caused due to the steering influences the operator comfort, stability and durability of the structural components in the machine. It becomes important to understand these system loads amplitude for a vehicle configuration. This paper attempts to investigate the system forces triggered on the frames during the steering operation. This study focuses on hydraulic and the inertial force on the structure during the articulation stop which contribute to the impact forces and their effect on the stopper selection. This work would support to enhance the optimized machine layout for the system at early stages of product design.